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noun

das Siegel, –

seal

Ein Zeichen oder ein Abdruck, der zeigt, dass etwas echt, geprüft oder offiziell ist.

Definition & meaning

das Siegel (plural: die Siegel) means seal or official mark.

  1. A physical seal or stamp
    A seal is a mark pressed into wax, paper, or another material to show authenticity, ownership, or that something has not been opened.

    • ein Siegel in Wachs — a seal in wax
    • ein gebrochenes Siegel — a broken seal

  2. An official emblem or certification mark
    It can refer to an official symbol used by an institution, authority, organization, or ruler. In this sense, it may be translated as seal, emblem, or stamp.

    • das Siegel der Stadt — the city seal
    • ein Qualitätssiegel — a quality seal or certification mark

  3. Figurative: a sign of confirmation or approval
    In expressions such as etwas mit seinem Siegel versehen, it means to give something one’s official approval or confirmation.

    • Das trägt das Siegel der Qualität. — That bears the mark of quality.

In modern contexts, Siegel can also refer to a digital seal used to verify the authenticity or integrity of electronic documents.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Gender: neuter — das Siegel
  • Plural: die Siegel
  • Pronunciation: approximately [ˈziːɡəl]
  • Related verb: besiegeln — to seal, finalize, or confirm
  • Related verb: versiegeln — to seal shut

The word comes from Middle High German sigel and ultimately derives from Latin sigillum, meaning “small seal” or “signet.” It is related to Latin signum, “sign” or “mark.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • das Siegel — the general term for a seal or official mark.
  • der Stempel — a stamp or imprint, usually produced with an inked or engraved device; it is more common for routine administrative markings.
  • das Emblem — an emblem or symbolic insignia; unlike a Siegel, it does not necessarily certify or authenticate something.
  • das Abzeichen — a badge or identifying mark; it is generally worn or displayed rather than pressed into a document.
  • das Signet — a signet or distinctive symbol, often associated with a person, organization, or publisher.

Antonyms

There is no exact everyday antonym for Siegel. Depending on the context, contrasting terms include:

  • die Fälschung — forgery or counterfeit mark, when the seal is not genuine.
  • die Öffnung — opening, especially when referring to breaking a seal.
  • die Ungültigkeit — invalidity, when a seal or certification has no legal force.

Common phrases & collocations

  • ein Siegel brechen — to break a seal
  • etwas mit einem Siegel versehen — to provide something with a seal
  • ein Siegel auf etwas setzen — to place a seal on something
  • ein amtliches Siegel — an official seal
  • ein Qualitätssiegel — a quality seal
  • ein Gütesiegel — a quality or approval label
  • das Siegel der Verschwiegenheit — the seal of confidentiality
  • etwas endgültig besiegeln — to seal or finalize something definitively

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Examples

Das alte Buch hat ein Siegel.noun

The old book has a seal.

Kannst du das Siegel auf dem Umschlag erkennen?noun

Can you see the seal on the envelope?

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